Radmore making his mark at Thorpe Hall
09/01/2023
Marcus Radmore’s career progression saw him start as the head PGA Professional at Thorpe Hall in October 2022. He began his PGA training in 1999, attached to Abridge Golf and Country Club and then moved on to Crowlands Heath ‘to focus more on coaching’.
After nine years there, Marcus enjoyed a stint at Ingrebourne Links before his recent switch to Thorpe Hall. Aged 43, he is the Essex Under-14s coach known for his expertise with putting tutelage (check out mrputtingschool.com).
How did you hear about the job at Thorpe Hall and what made you apply for the position?
I was made aware by a couple of people that the previous professional John Fryatt had resigned to pursue a different career in sports entertainment. I had to try and apply for the role as it ticks every box: huge heritage, prestigious role, full membership, a great golf course and the opportunity to coach and provide traditional head professional services.
What aspects contributed to you being appointed in the role?
I had come from a coaching background. I wanted that to be an addition to the club’s armoury and the asset I could provide was I coach the county team at under 14 level and I’ve specialised as a putting coach. I’ve invested my own time and money to be a better coach and I can now give the members and visitors a lesson that they may not have had before.
My focus is service, trying to appreciate the club’s traditional heritage but keen to offer a more modern take as a PGA professional.
- Marcus Radmore - Thorpe Hall Golf Club
What is it that excites you about the specific opportunity at Thorpe Hall?
I had a space offered to me within the club in the form of a squash court. We have converted this into a first-class fitting room. We have a tilting putting platform made by PuttAWAY, two ‘sim’ bays that we can use for Trackman 4 Golf lessons and the other for fitting top brands. The green gives me the ability to use my Capto Level 2 qualification to fit and coach players for putting in all weathers. The retail side is also exciting as it’s very new to me, but I’ve been clear we are going to focus on service with repairs and we can offer a huge bank of brands through me signing up to Foremost Central.
What are you hoping to deliver in terms of service to the members?
My focus is service, trying to appreciate the club’s traditional heritage but keen to offer a more modern take as a PGA professional. For example, technology for coaching and social media exposure to what we offer.
How involved are you going to be in encouraging junior golf and, indeed, other important sectors of the club?
This is a big task as John was brilliant at bringing kids through. I doubt I’ll try to reinvent the wheel – I’m likely to keep the framework for player pathway that was previously put in place. Ladies and senior classes are now being set up and we have a studio to add to the coaching experience too.
Do you still play much? If so, what golf is likely to be in your diary for 2023?
I try to play often, not necessarily tournament golf as I’ll leave that to the full-time playing pros but I do compete in a few events. Captain-Pro is a busy schedule, so I’m excited about that too.
